Welcome to Day 3 of the Daily Answer Writing (DAW) initiative for Mains 2026. Keep the momentum going!
Question 1 (GS 2 – International Relations)
Q. “India’s foreign policy is increasingly shifting from non-alignment to multi-alignment.” Discuss this statement with suitable examples from recent geopolitical developments. (250 words, 15 Marks)
Model Framework:
Introduction: Define non-alignment and multi-alignment. Briefly state how India’s approach has evolved.
Body:
– Explain the need for multi-alignment (economic interests, security, changing global order).
– Provide examples: India’s active participation in Quad (US, Japan, Australia) while simultaneously engaging with SCO and BRICS (Russia, China).
– Discuss the challenges (balancing acts, trust deficits).
Conclusion: Conclude with how multi-alignment serves India’s strategic autonomy.
Question 2 (GS 4 – Ethics)
Q. What is ‘Emotional Intelligence’ (EI)? How is it crucial for civil servants in effective administration and public service delivery? (150 words, 10 Marks)
Model Framework:
Introduction: Define Emotional Intelligence (refer to Daniel Goleman’s model: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, social skills).
Body:
– Discuss its importance: Conflict resolution, empathy towards weaker sections, stress management, and leadership.
– Give a brief example of how an EI-equipped officer handles a law and order situation vs. one who lacks it.
Conclusion: Summarize that EI is as important, if not more, than cognitive intelligence (IQ) for a public servant.